We caught up with SAI Ambassador Yael, who took time to answer some questions about her semester in the Eternal City.

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?

While I had many favorite memories and moments from studying abroad, one of my favorites is the traveling I was able to do. I have always had a travel bug within me and being abroad let that spirit roam free. Not only was I able to travel all over Europe, but I was able to explore all that Italy had to offer. One of the things I feel most people forget about while aboard is traveling within the country they are abroad in. This is one of the reasons why I choose Italy as my country. Each city and region had something else unique to offer. It was an experience that I will forever be grateful for.

The instant I saw the Colosseum the moment of “wow I am in Rome” finally set in for real.

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?

My favorite thing to do in my host city of Rome, Italy was to plug in headphones, listen to music, and wander around the streets. I loved to just look around at the beautiful and interesting buildings that were surrounding me. I popped in and out of stores on my way either looking for souvenirs for friends’ back home, a nice gift for myself, or just simply window shopping. Rome especially has so much history within it that wherever you walk, you run into a ruin, which is something that does not happen back home in America.

This image was taken from one of our first outing as an SAI group. We had an amazing wine tasting and lunch in Frascati!

Proof of the amazing time I had in Cinque Terre!

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?

The biggest piece of advice I would give to new study abroad students is travel, yet take time to explore and enjoy the city you are living in. Many people forget that the place they are living is within its own self a travel destination. The traveling will always be there, but the chance to live and go to school in your city is something that might not happen again. In addition, take every opportunity and budget for extra expenses. You are not spending money on an object, you are spending money on an experience. You will not remember the price tag, but you will remember the moment.

My friends and I enjoying our last weekend getaway to Zurich, Switzerland!